Author: Lester Holt

Australia Leads With Strict New Age CutoffAustralia has adopted a firm stance on youth access to social networks, barring anyone under 16 from holding accounts on major platforms. The measure requires companies to screen out underage users or risk substantial fines, part of a national push to reduce online risks faced by young people. The policy has sparked debate over how reliably tech firms can confirm users’ ages and whether determined minors may simply seek out alternative online communities. European Lawmakers Advance Their Own RestrictionsSimilar conversations are unfolding across Europe, where officials are exploring fresh approaches to protect minors online.…

The United States has passed new legislation that increases aid for veterans. The law raises compensation for those with service-connected disabilities and improves benefits for survivors of disabled veterans. Officials say the new measures aim to recognize the sacrifices of military personnel and provide stronger financial and social support for veterans and their families. The legislation reflects a commitment to ensuring that those who served the country receive the care they need. Under the new law, veterans with disabilities linked to their military service will see higher monthly compensation. The increase is designed to help cover living expenses, medical care,…

The United States is seeing a strong rise in travel as the holiday season begins. Millions of Americans are planning trips, joining a global surge in holiday tourism. Airlines, hotels, and travel services report rising bookings as families and travelers prepare for end-of-year holidays. Experts say the increase is part of a wider trend. Many countries are experiencing higher holiday travel as people seek leisure and family time. The U.S. is following this pattern, with domestic and international travel demand climbing steadily. Airlines are reporting fuller flights and higher ticket sales. Some popular routes are nearly fully booked, while hotel…

A New Framework for a Rapidly Changing Threat Landscape The World Health Organization has released its 2025 Public Health Intelligence (PHI) Curriculum, a competency-based training blueprint intended to strengthen global early-warning systems. Built on the recently established PHI Competency Framework, the curriculum outlines structured learning pathways for analysts, epidemiologists, emergency responders and health ministries. WHO positions it as a foundation for countries seeking to professionalize PHI capacity, reduce detection delays, and better integrate data from diverse sources, including digital surveillance and One Health systems. What the Curriculum Covers — and Why It Matters The curriculum packages the complex field of…

Study Suggests Short Disconnect Can Ease Anxiety and Depression A new study examining the effects of a brief break from social media has found that young adults who stepped away from apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok for just one week reported notable improvements in their mental health. Researchers tracked adults aged 18 to 24 who opted into a seven-day “social media holiday,” observing measurable reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression by the end of the break. Sleep quality also improved, though feelings of loneliness remained largely unchanged. Researchers Note Benefits but Call for Caution The authors emphasized that…

The U.S. travel sector continues to show resilience despite global challenges. International travel has faced headwinds in recent years, but domestic tourism has helped keep the industry strong. Florida is leading the way, with early 2025 data showing that 92% of visitors were from within the United States. This highlights the role of internal demand in sustaining the travel market. Florida’s popularity is driven by a mix of attractions, beaches, theme parks, and cultural destinations. Cities like Orlando, Miami, and Tampa have been especially popular. Families and leisure travelers have been booking trips in large numbers. Many are choosing road…

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art has launched its largest Korean art exhibition to date. Titled “Korean Treasures: Collected, Cherished, Shared,” the exhibit features more than 200 works, including several national treasures. The exhibition highlights Korea’s rich cultural history and artistic achievements. Visitors can explore traditional paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and other priceless artifacts spanning centuries. Curators emphasize that the display offers a rare opportunity to experience Korean heritage up close. Each piece tells a story of craftsmanship, history, and cultural significance. Museum officials say the exhibit aims to deepen understanding of Korea’s art and influence. The selection reflects careful…

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act with a nearly unanimous vote of 427–1. The legislation requires the Justice Department to release all federal investigative files related to Jeffrey Epstein, a move hailed as a victory for public accountability and survivors. Lawmakers from both parties praised the vote as a clear signal that transparency is critical in high-profile criminal cases. The overwhelming support demonstrates a rare moment of bipartisan consensus on an issue of national concern. Advocates say the bill will allow the public to see the full scope of federal investigations into Epstein’s alleged…

National Agencies Align on Research PrioritiesFederal health officials from agencies including the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration convened this week at the Food Allergy Fund’s annual forum to outline a coordinated strategy for advancing food allergy science. Leaders emphasized the urgent need to close knowledge gaps surrounding rising allergy prevalence, the biological mechanisms that trigger severe reactions, and the disparities affecting diagnosis and care across communities. Innovation Pipeline Gains MomentumResearchers and policy specialists highlighted emerging technologies aimed at transforming allergy management—from next-generation immunotherapies to early-detection tools capable of…

Older Adult Hospitalized With H5N5 InfectionHealth officials in Washington state have confirmed the nation’s first human case of bird flu in nine months after an older adult in Grays Harbor County tested positive for the H5N5 strain. The patient, who had underlying health conditions, was hospitalized with high fever, confusion, and respiratory distress before laboratory tests identified the virus. This marks the first known human infection with H5N5 in the United States. Likely Linked to Backyard Poultry ExposureInvestigators believe the infection likely originated from the individual’s backyard poultry, which had potential contact with wild birds. While the virus is known…